NSW:Illawarra unions want more from govt

AAP General News (Australia)
08-31-2011
NSW:Illawarra unions want more from govt

SYDNEY, Aug 31 AAP - Unions on the NSW south coast stung by the prospect of massive
job losses are demanding a large boost in the federal government's support for the struggling
region.

The South Coast Labour Council (SCLC) has called for a significant and immediate cash
injection in the Illawarra economy after BlueScope Steel's announcement last week that
it was shedding more than 1000 jobs.

The federal government has promised $30 million to help restructure the region's economy
and $10 million to help sacked steel workers.

But SCLC secretary Arthur Rorris says that contribution is like "trying to zip-start
a jumbo jet with a whipper snipper cord" as the region heads for economic doom.

"The steel industry job losses are a massive hit for the region which will rip billions
of dollars out of our regional economy in the coming years," Mr Rorris said in a statement
on Wednesday.

"Thirty million dollars is a start but it won't even come close to dealing with the
scale of the economic disaster looming for the Illawarra region and the thousands of other
jobs now at risk."

Prime Minister Julia Gillard was in the Illawarra on Tuesday to reassure workers that
the government could manage the region's problems.

She would not commit to a regional stimulus package, preferring first to rely on funding
measures already announced by the government.

The SCLC, which claims to represent 50,000 workers through its 29 affiliated trade
unions, said the region needed immediate action, not "another long-term plan".

BlueScope announced last week that it was axing 1000 workers and closing its export business.

About 800 of those jobs are being shed from the company's Port Kembla plant in the
Illawarra, with the rest to come from its Western Port hot strip mill in Victoria.

AAP mdg/wjf/jl

KEYWORD: ILLAWARRA

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.